To Moms Who Had a C-Section re: Belly

[mbschneider]

Hello,
I delivered my first baby 4 weeks ago via an emergency c-section. My abs were in wonderfulshape pre-pregnancy, thanks to a committed ab routine and weight training. Now, however, I still look @ 4-5 months pregnant! My question - will my abs continue to shrink on there own or is it fair to say that, now that I am 4 weeks post-partum, all of the shrinking is done and only serious ab exercises will help out? I just want to know what I am in for! Thank you.
Mary Beth
(PS - This is a cross-post)

 

[LizN]

Dear Mary Beth,

It is amazing what the body goes through during pregnancy. After an emergency C Section, it can be completely normal to "look pregnant" post partum due to fluid retention, healing etc. I have had two C-Sections and went on to compete in a couple of Figure Comps, so it's definitely not "all over" for your abs after you have a baby.

It does however take time to return to "normal". If you think that you were stretched in all directions for nine months, it should take you that long and then some to get back into top shape post partum.

As you have had a C-Section and have had your abdominal layers cut (through surgery) it would be a good idea to consult with a physical therapist who specializes in post partum pilates and core strengthening. Trying to Fix things with crunches and oblique work (this is a big no no post partum) will only make things worse, especially if you have a diastasis (separation of the abdominals).

So to sum up, yes, you will "shrink" some more, and b) the RIGHT abdominal work will help - but what you may think is RIGHT can actually do more harm than good. Consult with a Post partum PT - you won't regret it

And most importantly, enjoy that baby

Cheers
Liz N

 

[6Swans4me]

My 5th pregnancy was an emergency c-section. My four previous pregnancies were natural. Four weeks is not a long time! You've probably heard it as much as I did while pregnant: It took your body 9 months to change shape, it usually takes 9 months for it to get back to it's pre-pregancy shape (if it can).

If your skin is stretched, your stomach will not look like it did before you got pregnant no matter how much you work it. I've seen plastic surgery shows on television where the doctor stitched the stomach muscles back together during a tummy tuck procedure. I'm not sure if exercising would have helped them go back together or not.

For me, it didn't take 9 months. It was more like three months later. I didn't exercise since I was nursing. The most I did was take long walks pushing the stroller.

Everyone's body is different and will respond to pregnancy differently. However, I still think 4 weeks is way too early to tell.

Wendy

www.picturetrail.com/6Swans4Me

 

[lala1]

My first baby was a C-sec,my last two were VBAC and there was no difference for me in the time it took to recover my figure...well actually, it took longer each baby But remember, it takes at least 6 wks for a body to recover from surgery, so give yourself at least that time. As far as working your abs, again, the 6 week wait is a suggestion, but check with your doc. Enjoy your baby they don't stay little very long:-( (my "baby" is now 15!)

 

[Sunshine 1528]

Had 3 C's and up until last year, had great looking abs.

Then the age thing kicked in - I am 49.

I still remember my doc saying - WOW, you have no fat on your stomach !

She didn't even put me on a diet though I gained 30 to 35 lbs when prego.

You should be fine - I seem to remember the last of the pouch going away in a few months, sans excercise at that time in my life.

 

[jaypea]

Hi Mary Beth,
I had a C-Section a little over 2 years ago. I remember when I first tried to do ab exercises (after 6 weeks), and it felt like I could put my hand right through my stomach to the side of my back. Not really, but it really felt like there was nothing but mush there. I also remember how strange it felt to do ab exercises. I stuck with Cathe, and the workouts that helped me the most were her Core Max workouts. My abs are not perfectly flat, but I did rebuild the muscle, and I think my ab area looks pretty darn good;-) . Good luck!
-Jen

 

[Mikkia]

I have had 2 csections. The first was an emergency one as well. I was in great shape before I had my daughter(1st one). It took my abs 8 solid weeks before they were ready to work at all, and by 8 months they were back to normal. My second pregnancy was bedrest, and by the time I had him I was not in good shape. But by the time I was 7-8 months postpartum, my abs were back to normal. I think your body will respond when it is ready. Everyone is different, but one sure way is to eat CLEAN. Period. Which really sucks! Good luck to you and your abs.